Rhododendrons at National Trust garden threatened by killer virus

A killer virus may be on the verge of wiping out thousands of rhododendrons at one of the most beautiful National Trust gardens in Britain.

Experts at Bodnant Gardens, near Snowdonia, north Wales, fear that Sudden Oak Death has returned after a lull of five years.

Urgent tests are being carried out to determine whether a number of "suspicious deaths" can be attributed to the virus. The results are expected in the next few days.

If the outbreak is confirmed staff at the gardens may have to remove plants and install foot paths for the thousands of enthusiasts who visit the gardens. They may also resort to micropropogation techniques to prevent lasting damage.

Troy Scott Smith, head gardener at the 32-acre site, said he had already drawn up plans to deal with a confirmed outbreak.

"We will have to take out the infected plants," he said.

"According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we would not be able to plant at-risk species within three to four meters of each other for between three and four years.

"Fortunately we are already undertaking measures to stop the spread, including the cleaning of secateurs between each plant".